Method for augmenting immune response

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a method for enhancing the ability for humoral immune response in a mammal comprising: 
     exposing lymphocytes histocompatible with the lymphocytes of said mammal to the presence of polymeric or aggregated delta-immunoglobulin at a concentration higher than that at which said lymphocytes would have been exposed while in the lymph or bloodstream of said mammal; and introducing said lymphocytes to the bloodstream or lymph of said mammal.

The United States Government has rights to this invention by virtue ofgrants No. AI-11694 and No. AG-04980 and Training Grant No. CA-09161from the Department of Health and Human Services.

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.726,089 filed 4-23-85 now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION.

This invention relates to a method for increasing antibody productionand enhancing humoral immune response. According to this method,delta-immunoglobulin (IgD) is used to induce lymphocytes (especially Tcells) that initiate or mediate immunostimulatory action.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

IgD is one of five known classes of immunoglobulins. It is present onthe surface of mature B cells (where it is co-expressed with IgM) butits serum levels are low. In contrast to other Ig isotypes, IgD is notsecreted following antigenic stimulation of the B cells that bear it.

Although, apparently, surface IgD (sIgD) can function as a receptor forstimulation of B cells to enter the cell cycle, IgD has not beenassigned a clear, specific function in immune response. At this time,more is known about what IgD does not do than what it does.

There are indications that IgD may play an important role in resistanceto induction of antigen tolerance: see, Vitetta, E.S. and Uhr, J.W.Science 189:964 1975, who report that the B cells of young mice (thattypically show tolerance) express only IgM, not IgD. The onset andincrease of tolerance resistance parallels the ability of the B cells ofthe growing mouse to express IgD. The observed decrease in surface IgDof B cells subsequent to antigen stimulation is consistent with thetolerance resistance hypothesis.

Finkelman, F.D. et al. J. Immunol. 133:550, 1984 and N.Y. Acad. Sci.399:316, 1982 have shown that administration to mice of goat anti-(mouseIgD) caused the B cells of the mice to produce significantly higheramounts of polyclonal IgGl antibodies. The authors interpreted theseresults as indicating the existence of nonspecific T help in the mousesystem. The authors also observed an apparent suppression of antibodyproduction when they administered high levels of goat anti-(mouse IgD).

There is evidence of the existence of T-cell sub-populations that areisotope-specific for IgA, IgE, IgG and IgM both in humans and in mice.IgA-specific T cells (T_(a))--but not T_(e), T_(g), or T_(m) --have beeninduced by IgA-secreting plasmacytomas. These T_(a) cells have beenstudied extensively but have not been found to augment humoral immuneresponses.

In Scand. J. Immunol. 11:377-382, 1980, 0. Sjoberg reported that a smallpercentage of normal human lymphocytes (0-6.5%) formed rosettes withIgD-coated latex particles. This is the earliest report known to thepresent inventors suggesting the existence of lymphoid cells with areceptor for IgD. However, the reported incidence of these cells doesnot exceed background levels for isolated peripheral blood leukocytes,which is what Sjoberg used in this study. Therefore, the resultsreported in this article are inconclusive. Moreover, the author does notsuggest any therapeutic or other use for cells with IgD receptors.

IgD-producing plasmacytomas were discovered by Finkelman, F.D. et al.1981 J. Immunol. 126:680, incorporated herein by reference. Theseplasmacytomas were induced by injecting Balb/c mice intraperitoneallywith 0.5 ml of tetramethylpentadecane (pristane).

In Xue, B., et al., J. Exp. Med 159:103-113 (Jan. 1984) the authors (whoinclude the present inventors) report the following observations formice only:

(1) Mice bearing IgD-producing plasmacytomas or injected withIgD-containing whole ascites fluid from plasmacytoma-bearing miceexhibit enhanced antibody production upon subsequent challenge withantigen. This was observed for antibodies of both the IgM and the IgGisotype.

(2) Mice injected with purified IgD, showed an increase in IgMproduction only.

The authors postulated that the immunoaugmenting effect was due to Tcells having a receptor for IgD that were elicited following injectionof IgD.

The practical significance of the work reported in this article islimited for several reasons. First, the ability of IgD-plasmacytoma orIgD-plasmacytoma ascites fluid to stimulate IgG production cannot beused for therapeutic applications in humans. Introduction of tumor cellsand ascites fluid from ascites tumor bearing mice would be hazardous tothe recipients.

Second, increased production of IgM is not as desirable as that of IgGantibody, especially for long term immunity. The IgG isotype has agreater affinity for the antigen and a longer half-life.

It is clear from the above discussion that a more complete understandingof the nature and role of IgD is necessary. Therefore, a broad objectiveof this invention is to increase this understanding and to use it todevelop therapeutic methods for the management or treatment of immunesystem disorders.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a safe andeffective method for increasing the efficiency of immunizationprotocols, especially in terms of other isotypes in addition to IgM,such as IgG (7S) responses.

A more specific object of the present invention is to confirm theexistence of (and to provide a convenient and safe method for inducing)T cells with receptors for IgD.

Another object is to provide a convenient and safe method for inducementof T cells that are able to stimulate the immune system to produceincreased amounts of IgG, and to use such T cells in the management ortreatment of mammals, including humans, with depressed immune systems.

Another object is to provide a method for enhancing antibody production.

Another object is to provide a method for augmenting or restoringhumoral immune response, especially in immunosuppressed orimmunocompromised mammalian hosts, but also in normal vaccinated hosts.

Another object is to provide a method for augmenting or restoringhumoral immune response while limiting or eliminating the infusion ofexogenous substances in these hosts.

Another object is to provide a method for testing immune competence.

These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the present description,accompanying claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows the kinetics of IgD-induced enhancement antibody responseto TNP-KLH.

FIG. 1B shows the kinetics of T_(d) cell appearance following injectionof IgD-containing ascites fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have now demonstrated that helper T cells withreceptors for IgD (T_(d)) do in fact exist in humans and in mice. ¹Moreover, they found that a significant number of helper T cells capableof enhancing IgG antibody response can be induced by exposing Tlymphocytes to IgD (including dimer and oligomer IgD) in vitro as wellas in vivo. Surprisingly, subsequent introduction of these T_(d) cellsin the blood stream of a mammal is also accompanied by a significantincrease in IgG (as well as IgM) antibody response.

Thus, generation of the T_(d) in the body of the target host is notrequired for immune response enhancement, but induced T_(d) surviveinfusion in an untreated (naive) host and enhance immune responses inthat host.

It is of course preferable that the infused T_(d) be histocompatiblewith the recipient. The T_(d) can be induced in vitro and, mostpreferably, they are obtained from the blood or lymph of the recipient.

The present inventors have also found that purified IgD is effective asan adjuvant that augments the immune responses of mammals, includinghumans, when administered in sufficient amounts simultaneously withand/or shortly prior to an antigen.

Surprisingly, repeated injections of isolated IgD (such as IgD isolatedfrom serum or plasma of normal individuals) or purified from cultures(or ascites fluid of mice bearing IgD secreting hybridomas orplasmacytomas) further increase the augmentation of the immune responseand cause an augmentation of the IgG antibody response although they donot appear to increase the number of T_(d) cells more than the firstinjection. In fact, repeated injections of isolated IgD serve to augmentIgG immune response even where a single injection has failed.

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a method forenhancing humoral immune responses in (and, especially, increasing thequantity of IgG antibody produced by) a mammal in response to antigenicstimulation of said mammal. This method comprises exposing lymphocytesto the presence of IgD in a quantity and for a period of time sufficientto activate helper T cell function in the mammal, such as will mediateenhancement of immune responses. Such exposure of lymphocytes to IgDpreferably takes place in a manner avoiding introduction of undesirablesubstances in the body of the mammal, but may be combined with in vivotreatment of the mammal with IgD.

This can be done in several ways. First, it can be done by exposure ofthe lymphocytes to IgD in vitro followed by introduction of treated,washed lymphocytes into the mammal. In that case IgD-ascites fluid canbe used as the incubation medium, since it will not be injected, orIgD-coated dishes can be used.

Second, it can be done in vivo by introduction into the mammal of anIgD-containing preparation that is suitable for administration in themammal and does not contain physiologically undesirable substances. Inorder to augment the production of isotypes other than IgM, most notablyIgG production, repeated administration of IgD (and/or administration ofhigher amounts than are necessary for augmenting IgM production) isnecessary.

Third, it can be done in vivo followed by cell transfer. AnIgD-containing preparation (sufficient to cause augmentation of IgGresponse upon antigenic stimulation) is administered to a donor mammal.Activated lymphocytes from the donor (preferably histocompatible withthe recipient) are transferred to the recipient mammal.

Finally, helper T cell activation can be done by a combination of invivo followed by in vitro treatment with IgD, as described above.

Still another aspect of the invention relates to a method fordetermining immunocompetence of a mammal by exposing T cells of saidmammal to IgD at a concentration sufficient to elicit T_(d) cells in anormal (immunocompetent) mammal of the same species, detecting thenumbers of T_(d) cells elicited with and without exposure to IgD, andcomparing them to those of normal members of said species.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A particular advantage of the method of the present invention is thatT_(d) induction can take place outside the recipient's body. Mostpreferably, T_(d) induction takes place in vitro and the induced T_(d)lymphocytes are the patient's own lymphocytes. Thus, the present methodcan avoid infusing any exogenous substance in the host.

The present invention is for use in enhancing humoral immune responsesespecially IgG antibody responses, ameliorating depressed immuneresponses (especially these secondary to such diseases as viralinfections, lymphoma, and carcinoma) and depressed immune responsecaused by agents used in the treatment of these diseases, including (butnot limited to) cytotoxic agents such as cortisone, vincristine,adriamycin, methotrexate, fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, etc.

IgD is a naturally occurring substance that is present in the serum ofnormal mammals including humans in low amounts (normal human range:about 10 to 100 micrograms/ml with about 30 being most common).Therefore, repeated injections of purified IgD with the aim ofaugmenting the immune response are an important application of thepresent invention of in man, not only to restore immune response butalso to serve as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses to vaccines andother immunogens. In the latter case administration of IgD would takeplace simultaneously with, and/or soon before, immunization.

IgD should preferably be used in polymeric or aggregated form.IgD-secreting tumor cells can be used as a source of IgD. IgD-secretingplasmacytomas are available from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)Tumor Bank, Rockville, Md. A mouse IgD-secreting B cell hybridoma(B1.8-delta) described by Neuberger, M.S. and Rajewski, K, Proc. Nat'lAcad. Sci. (USA) 78:1138, 1981 can also be used. This line secretes anIgD delta2/lambda2 anti-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl (NP) antibody.This IgD is much more effective for T_(d) induction after interactionwith NP-protein (antigen).

Culture media from, or ascites of mice bearing, these tumors can be useddirectly to stimulate T_(d) production. But IgD can also be isolatedfrom such media and ascites and used in purified form to stimulate T_(d)production. Use of purified IgD is preferable for therapeutic or vaccineapplications.

IgD can be purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using anti-IgD asthe immunoadsorbent.

Such anti-IgD are commercially available. For example, anti-(mouse IgD)can be obtained from Miles Laboratories, Naperville, Ill. andanti-(human IgD) can be obtained from Cooper Biomedical, Melvern, Pa. orBoehringer-Mannheim Biochemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.

Purified IgD or an IgD-containing fluid can then be used to elicit T_(d)in vitro or in vivo. T lymphocytes that are preferably histocompatiblewith the target host should be exposed to amounts of IgD that aregreater than those available in the bloodstream or lymph of the host.

A particularly preferred regimen for T_(d) induction or use of IgD as anadjuvant, in mice, is two to four intraperitoneal injections of 0.5 mlof IgD-containing ascites fluid given 7 and 1, or 8, 7, 6 and 5 daysbefore challenge with antigen, respectively. Enhancement of immuneresponse is more pronounced if the T_(d) are induced in the recipientprior to injection of antigen.

When purified IgD is used for T_(d) elicitation or adjuvant use in mice,250 micrograms of affinity-purified IgD per day in 0.5 ml saline areeffective when used on the 8th, 7th, 6th, and 5th day (or on the 7th and1st day) before antigen challenge, but the minimum effective dose stillneeds to be established. However, this can be done by routineexperimentation using serially diluted preparations of IgD.

When T_(d) are induced in vivo, it is desirable to use the minimumamount of IgD capable of eliciting the maximum number of T_(d) (about30% of the peripheral T population in mice and about 40% in man).Because this amount may vary from species to species (and may also varysomewhat from individual to individual), the minimum amount of IgDshould be determined beforehand. Such determination is a matter ofroutine experimentation.

During in vitro elicitation of T_(d), T lymphocytes from (orhistocompatible with those of) the recipient are incubated (preferablyovernight--although a substantial amount of T_(d) effective to augmentimmune response is elicited even after incubation for one hour only) inIgD-coated dishes or in media containing IgD. Again, the minimum amountof IgD necessary for maximal T_(d) induction (and immune responseenhancement) can be determined by testing the incidence of T_(d) cellsby serially diluted IgD.

Preferred concentrations of purified IgD and IgD-containing ascitesfluid for mouse T_(d) induction in vitro are: from 0.08-25 micrograms/mland 0.1 to 10%, most preferably about 25 micrograms/ml and 10%,respectively.

For humans, preferred concentrations are expected to range from about 10to about 250 micrograms/ml.

The most preferred incubation time for mammals is about 12-18 hrs but anacceptable T_(d) response can be obtained in as little as one hour.

The T_(d) thus elicited will be washed and introduced to the recipient.For mice, about 5×10⁶ -5×10⁷ cells in saline are preferred.

Preliminary data show that T cells from aging (immunodeficient) mice aremuch less responsive to one exposure to IgD in vitro, i.e., nosignificant T_(d) are observed. Therefore, it is possible that thepresent invention can be used to test the ability of T cells to acquireIgD receptors, and thus diagnose the presence of an immune deficiency,or immune incompetence. Thus, the present invention forms the basis fordevelopment of an assay for that purpose.

Normal Balb/c spleen cells (fresh, or incubated in medium alone) showminimum IgD-RFC(5% or less).¹ But after incubation with IgD-containingmedium for 18 hrs, the percentage of RFC increases to more than 25%. Thesame is observed for splenic T cells. Similar increases in the frequencyof IgD-RFC also occur following incubation for 1 hour of isolated Tcells in IgD-coated petri dishes. The rosette-forming ability of theIgD-exposed T cells is inhibited by pre-incubation of the cells in IgD,or by the presence of competing IgD in the liquid phase during theassay, but not by competing IgM or IgG.

The results of in vitro elicitation of T_(d) are comparable to thoseobtained by in vivo injection of IgD or IgD-ascites. In comparativeexperiments, the number of T_(d) after in vitro exposure to IgD wasabout 28%, and that of in vivo produced T_(d) was about 30% for mice.

The murine T_(d) cells of the present invention have been characterized.At least a majority of them are of the Lyt1⁺ 2⁻ (helper) T-cellphenotype. This is in contrast to T_(a) and T_(e) cells of the prior artthat are frequently of the suppressor phenotype.

The present inventors have found that the ability to respond to IgD withincreased numbers of IgD-RFC appears to be exclusive in mature T cells.Thymocytes (immature T cells) do not have this ability to anysignificant extent.

The RFC ability of T cells is not allotype-specific. Therefore, T_(d)can be elicited by exposure of these cells to IgD of a differentallotype. T_(d) cells thus obtained can be used to enhance immuneresponses.

The appearance of T_(d) cells coincides with the ability to enhance theimmune response. However, the magnitude and kinetics of the twophenomena differ somewhat. As illustrated in Example 6, the percentageof mouse T_(d) in vivo rises to near maximum one day after IgDinjection, falls to background levels by day 3 and then rises again tomaximal levels by day 5. If a second IgD injection is given, the numberof T_(d) does not exceed this maximum.

In contrast to the T_(d) number, the immune response increasessimultaneously with the number of T_(d) after the first IgD injection,but increases again after the second IgD injection, whereas the T_(d)number stays the same. Therefore, maximal augmentation of the immuneresponse in vivo and, in particular, augmentation of the IgG responserequires more than one injection with IgD. A hypothesis that re-exposureto IgD increases the avidity of the T_(d) cells for IgD, either byincreasing the number of receptors or their affinity, provides anexplanation for this phenomenon.

The present invention may be advantageously combined with other methodsknown to enhance immune respone, such as infusion of lymphokines,addition of carrier-primed T cells in vitro, etc.

The present invention is further described below by reference tospecific Examples, which are intended to illustrate the presentinvention without limiting its scope. In fact, although this inventionis described in this application by reference to preferred embodiments,persons of ordinary skill in the field will readily recognize thatseveral additions, omissions or modifications can be made in the methodsand materials described here, without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention, as claimed in this application.

EXAMPLE 1: Source and Purification of IgD.

IgD was isolated from the ascites fluid of mice bearing IgD-secretingplasmacytomas, such as TEPC-1017 or TEPC-1033 prepared as described byFinkelman, F.C. J. Immunol. 123-1253, 1979. Large numbers ofIgD-secreting tumor or hybridoma cells can be grown in culture or,preferably, by transplantation (intraperitoneally) as was done here.

Balb/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10⁶ TEPC-1017 cells.Ascites tumor was evident in 10 days. Two weeks after injection, ascitesfluid was drawn and examined for IgD content by double diffusion in agarusing a highly specific goat anti-(mouse IgD), in accordance with themethod described in Methods in Immunology, W. A. Benjamin, Inc.(Reading, Ma.), J. S. Garvey et al Eds. 1977 (pp. 313-321).

IgD-positive ascites fluid was collected and IgD was purified from it byimmunoaffinity chromatography on a Sepharose 4B column (Pharmacia FineChemical Co. Uppsala, Sweden) using rabbit anti-(mouse IgD) as animmunoadsorbent. After extensive washing with phosphate buffered saline(PBS) pH 7.2, the IgD was eluted with 4.0M MgCl₂. The eluate wasdialyzed and reconstituted in PBS to the same volume as the originalascites fluid.

EXAMPLE 2: Specificity of IgD-Rosette Forming Cells by Exposure to IgDin Vitro

Spleen lymphocytes were obtained from Balb/c mice (Charles RiverBreeding Laboratories, Inc. Wilmington, Mass.). Single-cell suspensionswere prepared. Splenic T cells were purified by negative selection, asfollows:

Petri dishes were coated with affinity-purified goat-anti mouse Ig (suchanti-Ig are available from Miles-Yeda Laboratories, Elkart, Ind.).Spleen lymphocytes were panned on the dishes and incubated for 1 hrunder conditions favoring binding of B-cells to the antibody. Theunbound cells were removed, washed and collected for use. The percentageof Ig⁺ cells contaminating such purified T-cell suspensions followingthis T-cell enrichment procedure was consistently lower than 1%. Thesplenic T-cell purification method was that of Wysocki, L.J. and Sato,V.L., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. (USA) 75:2844 (1978).

Spleen cells and splenic T-cells purified as described above (2.5×10⁶cells in each case) were separately incubated at 37° C. for 18 hr in 1ml of minimum essential medium (MEM from GIBCO, Grand Island, N.Y.)containing 2% fetal calf serum (FCS). The medium was used alone (as acontrol) or supplemented with a 1:10 dilution of IgD-containingTEPC-1017 ascites fluid that contained about 30 micrograms IgD/ml;0.04-20 micrograms/ml of purified IgD from Example 1; or 10%(IgM+IgG)-containing ascites fluid obtained from mice bearing the MOPC104E plasmacytoma available from the NCI Tumor Bank. The MOPC 104Eplasmacytoma was grown by ascites tumor induction in a way analogous tothat described in Example 1 for the TEPC-1017 plasmacytoma.

After the incubation period the cells were washed twice in MEM,suspended in fresh MEM containing 2% FCS, and used in the RFC(Rosette-Forming Cell) assay.

IgD was affinity-purified from ascites fluid of Balb/c mice bearingIgD-secreting myeloma TEPC-1017 as described in Example 1. The IgD wascoupled to sheep erythrocytes (SE) using chromium trichloride accordingto the well-known method of Poston, R.N.J. Immunol. Meth. 5:91 (1974),incorporated by reference.

Coupling of IgD to SE was confirmed by positive hemagglutination andindirect immunofluorescence assay using rabbit anti-mouse IgD anti-serumwhich can be obtained from Miles-Yeda, supra). The well-known passivehemagglutination method of Bogden, S.V. J. Exp. Med. 93: 107 (1951) wasused except that CrCl₃ was used (instead of tannic acid) to couple IgDprotein to the sheep erythrocytes. Indirect immunofluorescence wasperformed by staining IgD-coated sheep erythrocytes, (which werepreincubated for 15 min. with rabbit anti-mouse IgD, then washed twicein MEM) with fluorescein-labeled goat anti-rabbit gamma globulin(Miles-Yeda Laboratories, Elkart, Ind.). Postively stained cells werescored using a fluoresence microscope.

The RFC assay was performed as follows: 0.2 ml of 1% IgD-SE in MEM wereincubated with 0.1 ml of the spleen or splenic T cells (2.5×10⁶cells/ml) for 15 min. at 37° C. Competing Ig-containing ascites areadded in selected experiments (see Table 1). The cells were centrifugedat 500 rpm (200 xg) for 5 minutes and further incubated at 4° C. for 45min. or overnight. Samples containing competing IgD-containing or(IgM+IgG)-containing ascites fluid to a final concentration of 6% wereincluded in the assay. This method of IgD-RFC scoring is based on amethod of Chen, S et al, J. Immunol. 127-166 (1981).

The lymphocytes were stained with 0.025 ml of a 1% toluidine blue(Fisher Scientific Co., Fairlawn, N.J.) solution immediately beforescoring.

Lymphocytes surrounded by more than 3 indicator cells were scored asrosettes and the results expressed as percent RFC. The backgroundrosette formation was determined in each experiment and was always foundto be less than 2%.

The results are summarized in Table 1. The results of the Students't-test analysis are given for each assay. Fresh, normal Balb/c spleencells (controls) show 5 ±0.8% IgD-RFC (n=15). After incubation in mediumalone or in medium with IgM and IgG for 18 hrs, this percentage does notchange significantly. After incubation with IgD the percentage ofIgD-RFC is >25%. Inclusion of IgD in the medium during the RFC assaycompetes and therefore inhibits rosette formation (line 3), whereasinclusion of IgM and IgG does not (line 4).

                                      TABLE 1                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Immunoglobulin-                                                                             Mean Percent IgD-RFC ± S.E.(n) Following Incubation                        With                                                                 Containing                    Medium and                                      Ascites Added                                                                          Medium Medium and                                                                           Medium and                                                                           (IgG)-(IgM + IgG)-                         Cells                                                                              During Assay                                                                           Alone  IgD-ascites                                                                          Purified IGD                                                                         Ascites                                    __________________________________________________________________________    Unfrac-                                                                            --       8 ± 0.7(9).sup.a,b                                                                27 ± 1.6(10).sup.a                                                                29 ± 1.9(19).sup.b                                                                6 ± 1.3(3)                              tionated                                                                      Spleen                                                                        Splenic T                                                                          --       9 ± 0.8(4).sup.c,d                                                                31 ± 3.0(4).sup.c,e                                                               27 ± 1.2(8).sup.d                                                                 7 ± 0.9(6)                              Splenic T                                                                          IgD      --      6 ± 2.5(3).sup.e                                                                 --     --                                         Splenic T                                                                          IgM ± IgG                                                                           --     30 ± 0.05(3)                                                                      --     --                                         __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.a p < 0.0001,                                                            .sup.b p < 0.0001,                                                            .sup.c p = 0.001,                                                             .sup.d p < 0.0001,                                                            .sup.e p = 0.001                                                         

EXAMPLE 3 In Vitro Induction of T_(d) Cells Following Exposure to IgD

The RFC assay of Example 2 was repeated using different types oflymphocytes with such modifications as described below.

Spleen lymphocytes and splenic T-cells were obtained as for Example 2.Splenic Lytl⁺ 2⁻ and L3T4⁻ T-cell subpopulations were isolated bycomplement-mediated cytolysis using the monoclonal antibodiesanti-Lyt2.2 (available from ATCC) and anti-L3T4 (GK1.5) (obtained from aprivate source, Dr. F. Fitch, University of Chicago, Ill.) as follows:

Splenic B cells were also used. They were purified bycomplement-mediated cytolysis of T-cells, but using a cocktail ofanti-Thy1.2 (6.80) (from ATCC), anti-Lyt1.2(C2P0) and anti-L3T4 (GK1.5).The latter were obtained from Dr. V. Hammerling, Sloan-KetteringInstitute, New York City.

All the cells were from Balb/c mice except for one batch of C.B20 spleencells (Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, Mass.). The C.B20 cellswere included to see if the assay was allotype specific, which it wasnot.

Some of the spleen cells came from mice that had been pretreated in vivoby injecting them either intravenously with 100 micrograms TNP-KLH (5days prior to the day of the assay) or twice intraperitoneally with 0.5ml of IgD-containing ascites fluid (7 and 1 days prior to the assay).

All cells were incubated for 18 hrs in medium alone or in mediumcontaining IgD-ascites fluid, as described in Example 2. The results,representing arithmetic means of data from 3-6 assays, are set forth inTable 2, below. Values of p in Tables 1 and 2 were computed by comparingthe mean percentage of IgD-RFC following overnight incubation with themean percentage of RFC for splenic T-cells following overnightincubation in medium alone.

                                      TABLE 2                                     __________________________________________________________________________                     Mean Percent of IgD-RFC ± S.E.                                      In Vivo                                                                              After Overnight Incubation With                              Cell Type Pretreatment                                                                         Medium                                                                              IgD-containing ascites                                                                   p                                           __________________________________________________________________________    Spleen    --     8 ± 1.2                                                                          28 ± 1.9                                                                              <0.0001                                     Spleen    TNP-KLH                                                                              11 ± 1.7                                                                         20 ± 2.4                                                                               0.001                                      Spleen    IgD-ascites                                                                          30 ± 1.7                                                                         31 ± 2.4                                                                              n.s.                                        Splenic T --     8 ± 0.7                                                                          30 ± 2.9                                                                              0.01                                        Splenic T(Lytl.sup.+ 2.sup.-)                                                           --           40 ± 2.1                                                                              <0.0001                                     Splenic T(L3T4.sup.-)                                                                   --            8 ± 1.9                                                                              n.s.                                        Splenic B --     5 ± 0.7                                                                           8 ± 1.4                                                                              n.s.                                        Lymph node                                                                              --     5 ± 0.9                                                                          42 ± 3.9                                                                               0.006                                      Thymocytes                                                                              --     5 ± 0.3                                                                           8 ± 1.5                                                                              n.s.                                        C.B20 Spleen                                                                            --     8 ± 0.5                                                                          31 ± 2.2                                                                              <0.0001                                     __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 4 Phenotype of T Cells that Recognize IgD.

The results of Example 3 suggest that the majority (if not all) of theIgD-RFC induced in vitro have the helper T cell phenotype. To determinewhether the same population responds in vivo to injection of IgD,spleen, splenic T and Lyt1⁺ 2⁻ splenic T cells, lymph node cells, andthymocytes from IgD pretreated mice were tested for ability to formIgD-RFC. Trinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin-primed spleencells (from mice immunized with 100 micrograms of TNP-KLH five daysprior to the day of the assay) and unprimed spleen cells were used ascontrols. TNP-KLH was prepared by Little, J.R. and Eisen, H. N. MethodsImmunol. Immunochem. 1:128 (1967). TNP was purchased from Sigma ChemicalCo., St. Louis, Mo. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin was obtained fromSchwarz/Mann Div., Becton Dickinson & Co., Orangeburg, N.J.

All cells were obtained from Balb/c mice and purified, as describedabove. Where indicated in Table 3, cells were used from mice that hadbeen injected with 0.5 ml of IgD-containing ascites fluid 7 and 1 daysprior to the day of the assay. Control cells were not exposed toIgD-ascites.

The RFC assay was performed as described in Examples 2 and 3.

The results are summarized in Table 3 below.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                                 In Vivo Pre-                                                                  treatment with                                                                IgD-Containing                                                                            Mean %                                                   Cell Type                                                                              Ascites Fluid                                                                             IgD-RFC ± S.E.(n)                                                                         P                                         ______________________________________                                        Spleen   +           23 ± 1.4 (8)                                          "        -           5 ± 0.8 (6) <0.0001                                   Splenic T                                                                              +           30 ± 4.7 (5)                                                                              0.02                                      "        -           4 ± 0.4 (4)                                           Lytl.sup.+ 2.sup.-                                                                     +           27 ± 1.3 (5)                                                                              <0.0005                                   Splenic T                                                                     Ly .sup.+ .sup.-                                                                       -           5 ± 0.3 (3)                                           Splenic T                                                                     Lymph node                                                                             +           32 ± 2.5 (5)                                                                              <0.005                                    "        -           12 ± 1.3 (4)                                          Thymocytes                                                                             +           3 ± 2.5 (4) n.s.                                      "        -           5 ± 0.5 (4)                                           TNP-KLH  -           12 ± 1.2 (7)                                                                              <0.005                                    primed spleen                                                                 Unprimed -           5 ± 0.6 (7)                                           spleen                                                                        ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 5 Ability of Splenic T Cells to Transfer the ImmuneResponse-Enhancing Effect of IgD-Ascites Pretreatment to UntreatedRecipients.

Spleen cells or splenic B or T cells (10⁷) from mice pretreated withIgD-containing ascites or purified IgD (as described in Example 2) wereinjected simultaneously with TNP-KLH (100 micrograms) into recipientsthat had been irradiated one day before injection with 100R of gammairradiation using a ¹³⁷ Cs source (from Isomedix, Parsipanny, N. J.).Cells from mice that had not been pretreated with IgD were used ascontrols.

The cells used for injection were purified as in Examples 2 and 3.

The spleens of the mice were assayed for plaqueforming cells (PFC) onday 5 after injection. The assay employed was as follows:

Spleen cells were suspended in Hanks' balanced salt solution (GibcoLaboratories, Grand Island, N.Y.).

Enumeration of PFC was performed using the wellknown method of Jerne,N.K. et al (in Cell-Bound Antibody, Amos, B. and Koprowsky, H. Eds,Wistar Institute Press pp. 109-111, 1983) with the slide modification ofMishell, R. I. and Dutton, R.W. J. Exp. Med. 126-423, 1967, bothincorporated by reference.

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                        ABILITY OF SPLENIC T CELLS TO TRANSFER                                        THE IMMUNOENHANCING EFFECT OF IgD                                                              Preinjection                                                                             (Geometric Mean ×/÷                           Donor Cells                                                                              of Donors  (S.E.) of Anti-TNP                                Expt. Transferred.sup.a                                                                        with IgD   PFC/Spleen.sup.c                                  ______________________________________                                        1     None                  2,230 ×/÷ (1.4).sup.                          Spleen Cells                                                                             -          3,950 ×/÷ (1.3).sup.h                                    +          12,320 ×/÷ (1.2).sup.                   2     Spleen Cells                                                                             -          3,400 ×/÷ (1.4).sup.ij                                   +          14,760 ×/÷ (1.1).sup.i                                    +.sup.e   11,060 ×/÷ (1.1).sup.j                        Splenic T/ -          3,984 ×/÷ (1.2).sup. 1                        Cells.sup.d                                                                              +          13,378 ×/÷ (1.2).sup.l                        Splenic B/ -          3,840 ×/÷ (1.2).sup.k                         Cells.sup.f                                                                              +          4,370 ×/÷ (1.1).sup.k                   ______________________________________                                         .sup.a Recipients were irradiated on day1 with 100R, and then injected iv     on day 0 with 10.sup.7  donor cells together with 100 micrograms TNPKLH.      AntiTNP PFC responses were determined on day 5 (n = 5-8).                     .sup.b Donor mice were preinjected ip with 0.5 ml of IgDcontaining ascite     fluid on days8,-7,-6 and5 relative to the day of sacrifice (day 0).           .sup.c 19S antiTNP PFC responses, geometric mean S.E.                         .sup.d T cells were prepared by panning on antiIg-coated dishes at            4° C. after removal of adherent cells at 37° C. Control         cells were simultaneously incubated on uncoated dishes.                       .sup.e Donors were injected ip with 250 micrograms affinitypurified IgD o     days8,-7,-6 and 5.                                                            .sup.f B cells were prepared by antiThyl.2 plus complement treatment,         control.                                                                      .sup.h p = 0.007.                                                             .sup.i p = 0.005.                                                             .sup.j p = 0.01.                                                              .sup.k Not significant.                                                       .sup.l p = 0.005.                                                        

As shown in Table 4, the anti-TNP plaque-forming cell responses aresignificantly higher in recipients of IgD-treated cells than inrecipients of untreated control cells. The effect is due to the IgD,since it is present when purified IgD is used as the T-cell treatingagent.

The above results demonstrate that the immunoaugmenting effect of IgD ismediated by T cells and that it can be transferred by T cells to anotherrecipient that has not been exposed to IgD. Thus, injection of IgD inthe target host is not essential for the present invention.

EXAMPLE 6: Relative Kinetics of T_(d) Cells and Immune ResponseAugmentation

Balb/c mice were injected with 0.5 ml of IgD-containing ascites fluid ondays -7, -5, -3, and -1 before priming with TNP-KLH (100 micrograms).Five days later, the anti-TNP plaque-forming PFC responses weremeasured, as in Example 5. IgG-producing cells (7S response) weredeveloped with a rabbit anti-(mouse Ig) in the complement and goatanti-mouse IgM in the agar. Both immunoglobulins were obtained fromCooper Biomedical. The results, expressed in percent of controlresponses x/÷ S.E., are shown in FIG. 1A. The results are given for both7S (IgG) and 19S (IgM) responses.

Spleen cells were also obtained on the day of TNP-KLH challenge and thepercentage of IgD-RFC was determined. The results are shown in FIG. 1B.

EXAMPLE 7 Ability of T Cells Incubated in IgD-coated Petri Dishes toAugment Antibody Response

CBA/J Splenic T cells were isolated by negative selection on petridishes coated with goat anti-(mouse Ig) as described in Example 5. Tcells (3×10⁷ cells/4 ml PBS) were incubated for 1 hr. in 100 mmbacteriological grade petri dishes that had been coated with IgD fromthe ascites fluid of a mouse bearing a transplanted TEPC 1017plasmacytoma. Coating took place as follows:

Bacteriological grade, 100 mm petri dishes (Fisher Scientific Co.,Pittsburgh, Pa.) were coated for 1 hr at room temperature with 10 mlTris buffer, pH 9.5, containing 6 mg of ascites protein from either theTEPC-1017 or MOPC-167 plasmacytoma. Following 3 washes with PBScontaining 2% FCS, 3×10⁷ T cells suspended in 4 ml of PBS were added andthe plates were further incubated at 37° C. for 1 hr. Following thisincubation procedure, cells were vigorously triturated to remove themfrom the dish and the harvested cells were washed 3 times with PBS.

Cell preparations (in 0.2 ml saline) were injected i.v. in mice (10⁷cells/recipient) simultaneously with TNP-KLH (100 micrograms). Spleencells were obtained from these mice and subjected to the PFC assay asdescribed in Example 5. The results were as follows:

                  TABLE 5                                                         ______________________________________                                                         Anti-TNP PFC/Spleen                                          Donor Cells      (Geometric mean ×/÷ S.E.)                          Incubated In:    19S         7S                                               ______________________________________                                        uncoated petri dishes                                                                          15,076 ×/÷ 1.1                                                                  15,568 ×/÷ 1.2                         IgD-coated petri dishes                                                                        21,866 ×/÷ 1.1                                                                  34,641 ×/÷ 1.2                         No donor cells    8,713 ×/÷ 1.1                                                                  18,448 ×/÷ 1.0                                          (p = 0.018) (p = 0.008)                                      ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 8: Effect of In Vitro Exposure to IgD on the Immune AugmentingAbility of T Cells

Both IgD-preinjected and previously untreated Balb/c mice were used forthis experiment as spleen and splenic-T cell donors.

The IgD-preinjected mice had been injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 mlof IgD-containing ascites fluid 8, 7, 6, and 5 days prior to the day ofsacrifice, as described in Example 4. The mice were sacrificed. Spleenand splenic-T cells were obtained and cells of each type were incubatedin IgD-coated dishes.

Uncoated and IgA-coated dishes were used as controls. The dishes wereprepared and the cells were incubated as in Example 7.

The incubated cells were injected intravenously in recipient mice(syngeneic with the donor mice) that had been irradiated with 100R ofgamma-irradiation one day prior to cell transfer. TNP-KLH (100micrograms) was co-administered to the recipient mice. Their anti-TNPPFC responses were determined. The results for both IgG and IgMresponses are shown in Table 6, expressed as geometric mean x/÷ S.E.(n=3-7). The results of this experiment demonstrate that thetransferable augmentation of immune response continues to increase ifthe donor cells from IgD-preinjected mice are incubated with IgD priorto injection in the recipient mice.

                                      TABLE 6                                     __________________________________________________________________________    EFFECT OF IN VITRO EXPOSURE TO IgD                                            ON THE IMMUNE AUGMENTING T CELLS                                                               TNP-PFC/Spleen in Recipients of:.sup.a                                        Expt. 1       Expt. 2       Expt. 3                                 Donor Cells                                                                             Whole Spleen Cells                                                                          Splenic T Cells                                                                             Splenic T Cells                  Donors Incubated in:                                                                           19S    7S     19S    7S     19S   7S                         __________________________________________________________________________    Normal Mice                                                                          Uncoated dishes                                                                          3,400(1.4).sup.c,i                                                                   1,200(1.3).sup.d,j                                                                  45,100(1.1).sup.g                                                                    35,300(1.1).sup.h                                                                      --    --                              TEPC-1017 (IgD)-                                                                        11,400(1.4).sup.c,k                                                                   6,700(1.0).sup.d,l                                                                  51,400(1.1).sup.m                                                                    62,900(1.1).sup.h,n                                                                    --    --                              coated dishes                                                                 MOPC-167A (IgA)-                                                                          --   --     15,000(1.1).sup.g                                                                    23,400(1.1)                                                                            --    --                              coated dishes                                                                 No cells transferred                                                                      --   --     33,000(1.2).sup.m                                                                    35,200(1.1).sup.n                                                                      --    --                       IgD-Prein-                                                                           Uncoated dishes                                                                         14,800(1.1).sup.i                                                                     6,700(1.3).sup.j                                                                    --     --     11,900(1.4).sup.e                                                                   2,800(1.3).sup.f           jected Mice.sup.b                                                                    TEPC-1017 (IgD)-                                                                        18,600(1.1).sup.i                                                                    10,700(1.2).sup.l                                                                    --     --     17,900(1.1).sup.e                                                                   8,000(1.2).sup.f                  coated dishes                                                                 MOPC-167A (IgA)-                                                                          --   --     --     --     11,900(1.1)                                                                         2,600(1.2)                        coated dishes                                                          __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.a Recipients were irradiated with 100 R on day1, then received           10.sup.7 donor cells on day 0 together with 100 ug TNPKLH. Their antiTNP      PFC responses were determined and results are expressed as geometric mean     ×/÷ S.E. (n = 3-7).                                                 .sup.b Mice were injected i.p. with 0.5 ml of IgDcontaining ascites fluid     on days 8, 7, 6 and 5 prior to the day of sacrifice (day 0).                  .sup.c p = 0.05;                                                              .sup.d p = 0.05;                                                              .sup.d p = 0.0005;                                                            .sup.e p = 0.03;                                                              .sup.f p = 0.01;                                                              .sup.g p = 0.002;                                                             .sup.h p = 0.006;                                                             .sup.i p = 0.003;                                                             .sup.j p = 0.002;                                                             .sup.k p = 0.002;                                                             .sup.l p = 0.035;                                                             .sup.m p = 0.02;                                                              .sup.n p = 0.006.                                                        

EXAMPLE 9: In Vitro Induction of Human Peripheral Blood LeukocyteIgD-RFC

Peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were isolated by layering overficoll-hypaque (Lymphoprep Accurate Chemical Co., Hicksville, N.Y.). ThePBL (2.5×10⁶ cells) were cultured for 18 hrs in 1 ml of MEM containing2% FCS in the presence or absence of purified IgD of myeloma originpurified by immunoaffinity chromatography. The IgD-RFC assay was similarto the one used for mouse cells except that purified human IgD-coated oxred blood cells were used as the indicator cells instead of sheep redblood cells. The results were as follows:

                  TABLE 6                                                         ______________________________________                                        Concentration                                                                 of IgD (ug/ml)                                                                              Mean % IgD-RFC                                                  ______________________________________                                        0              3                                                              15             5                                                              30            10                                                              60            15                                                              125           20                                                              250           18                                                              500           19                                                              ______________________________________                                    

The incidence of IgD-RFC in three additional individuals, where cellshad been exposed to 500 μg IgD/ml was 54%, 38% and 33%, withcorresponding background values of 4%, 4% and 15% for unexposed cells.The 15% background value was from an individual who had recently beenimmunized to hepatitis vaccine. In view of the fact that normal humanperipheral blood contains only 10-15% B cells, 40% helper T and 20%suppressor/cytotoxic T cells, the high frequency of IgD-RFC in theseexperiments indicates that these RFC are helper T cells as they are inmice. Not all human IgD myeloma proteins are equally effective atinducing IgD-RFC in PBL. However, when mixed with a small amount ofanti-IgD, these non-inducing IgD preparations become able to induceIgD-RFC.

EXAMPLE 10: Inability of Spleen Cells from Aged Mice to Respond to IgD

As is well-known, aged mammals are immunodeficient. The experiment ofExample 2 was repeated except that the experimental mice were aged. 10%IgD ascites was used in the incubation medium as described in Example 2,where indicated below. The results were as follows:

                  TABLE 7                                                         ______________________________________                                        Age of Mouse            IgD-RFC                                               (months)  IgD in Medium (Background Subtracted)                               ______________________________________                                        2         -             1%                                                              +             30%                                                   3         -             1%                                                              +             25%                                                   3         -             1%                                                              +             32%                                                   21        -             1%                                                              +             <1%                                                   22        -             4%                                                              +             <1%                                                   22        -             5%                                                              +             <1%                                                   22        -             2%                                                              +             3%                                                    ______________________________________                                    

The aged mouse cells did not respond to incubation with IgD. However,repeated injection of IgD would elicit T_(d) cells from these mice aswell, especially if administered together with lymphokines.

The invention is further illustrated below by the following paperexamples.

PAPER EXAMPLE 11: Immune Response Enhancement in ImmunologicallyImmature Mammals

Since neonatal mammals, like aged mammals, are immunodeficient, thefollowing experiment will be performed in Balb/c mice. Mice of varyingages will be examined (a) for expression of IgD on B cells, (b) forability of T cells to express T receptors after incubation with IgD.Ages to be examined will include: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 week old as well as8-12 week old mice as controls. Splenic T cells will be incubated with25 μg IgD per ml for 18 hrs and assayed for incidence of IgD-RFC. Bcells will be stained with anti-IgD to determine the percentage ofsurface IgD positive B cells. The ability of the T cells to respond withIgD receptor production will be compared with the ability of the mice toshow immunoaugmented responses for 19S and 7S responses to TNP-KLH afterinjection of IgD in vivo. In addition, the ability of the T cells toexpress receptors for IgD at varying ages will be compared to thepercentage of surface IgD positive B cells. This latter percentage isknown to reach mature values by the age of 6 weeks.

Thus, the aim of these studies is to determine whether the immunematuration of the mice can be accelerated by injection of IgD and, ifso, whether this is related to their ability to produce T cells.

If the mice up to ages 4-6 weeks do not respond with T production andshow no enhancement of their immune responses after injections of IgD,they will receive transfer of T cells induced in T cells from adultnormal syngeneic mice. The immune response of immature mice receivingnormal adult T cells will then be compared with that of similar micereceiving T cells incubated with IgD in vitro.

This experiment will determine which percentage of IgD-bearing B cellsis needed before an immunoaugmenting effect of T cells can be obtained.

PAPER EXAMPLE 12: Detection of T cells in Human Peripheral Blood

Since it has been found that both age and recent immunization may affectthe level of T cells, a convenient assay for T enumeration in man willbe developed. Human peripheral blood cells will be prepared as inExample 9 and incubated with or without IgD for at least 1 hr. The cellswill then be assayed for expression of IgD receptors by any of thefollowing methods:

(1) IgD-RFC assay using IgD-coated indicators such as ox erythrocytes asdescribed in Example 9 or IgD-coated latex particles as described inSjoberg, supra.

(2) Incubation with a detectable specific ligand (ligand 1) for the IgDreceptor. This can be done by labeling the ligand itself directly, orindirectly by using a labeled second ligand with specificity forligand 1. Ligand 1 can be IgD itself or an antibody to the IgD receptor.

Labeling of ligands can for instance be done by the Biotinylation methoddescribed in: J. Immunol. Methods 36:335 (1980), or by the well-knownFluorescein-conjugation method described in: Selected Methods inCellular Immunology, B. B. Mishell and S. M. Shiigi, eds., W. H. Freemanand Co. San Francisco, Calif., 1980, pp. 292-297, or by the well-knownPeroxidase conjugation method of: Sternberger et al., J. Histochem.Cytochem. 18:315 (1970), or by the well-known enzyme marker proteinlinkage methods described by Avrameas, S., J. Histochem. 4:321 (1972).

These reagents are routinely used for methods employing the use of thefluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for enhancing the ability of a mammal inneed of such treatment to mount a 7S humoral response the methodcomprising:obtaining lymphocytes histocompatible with the lymphocytes ofsaid mammal; at a location outside the body of the mammal to be treated,exposing said obtained T-lymphocytes to the presence of previouslyisolated, essentially purified polymeric or aggregateddelta-immunoglobulin preparation at a concentration higher than that atwhich said lymphocytes would have been exposed while in the lymph orbloodstream of said mammal and for a time sufficient to induce theproduction of helper T-cells capable of stimulating the immune system ofsaid mammal to produce IgG; separating said lymphocytes from said IgD;and introducing said separated IgD-exposed lymphocytes to thebloodstream or lymph of said mammal.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid induced helper T-cells have increased ability to bind IgD comparedto helper T-cells that have not been so treated.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein said helper T-cell induction takes place in vitro.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the helper T-cell induction takes place invivo but not in the body of the treated mammal.
 5. The method of claim2, wherein said helper T-cell induction takes place both in vitro and invivo, said in vivo induction taking place by administering to the mammalto be treated an amount of essentially purified polymeric or aggregateddelta-immunoglobulin within the range of between about 0.08 and about250 micrograms/ml.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the lymphocytes areobtained from said mammal.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein saiddelta-immunoglobulin is obtained from a source selected from the groupconsisting of IgD-secreting tumor cells, IgD-secreting hybrid cells,mammalian plasma, and mammalian serum.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising purifying said lymphocytes after said induction and prior tointroducing them into said mammal.
 9. The method of claim 7, comprisingwashing said lymphocytes to purify them.
 10. A method of elicitingmammalian T-cells capable of inducing an enhanced 7S humoral immuneresponse when administered to a mammalian host, said methodcomprising:exposing T-cells in vitro to the presence of essentiallypurified polymeric or aggregated IgD at a concentration higher than thatavailable to T-cells in the bloodstream or lymph of normal mammals for aperiod of time at least sufficient for a substantial portion of saidT-cells to acquire an increased ability to bind IgD; and discontinuingsaid exposure of said T-cells.
 11. The method of claim 10, said periodof time being at least sufficient for a substantial portion of saidT-cells to exhibit a receptor for IgD.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein said period of time is at least about one hour.
 13. A method forenhancing the ability of a mammal to mount a 7S humoral immune responseupon antigenic stimulation said method comprising:exposing thelymphocytes of said mammal in vivo to an essentially purified, polymericor aggregated IgD-containing preparation in an amount and for a periodof time sufficient to activate helper T-cells and thereby enhance thesubsequent production of a 7S isotype immune response; administering anantigen to said mammal substantially contemporaneously with said IgDexposure; discontinuing said IgD exposure; subsequently repeating theadministration of said antigen to said mammal; and waiting for saidmammal to mount a 7S immune response.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein said exposure takes place by injection of said IgD preparationprior to immunization of said mammal with a vaccine, said preparationbeing in an amount sufficient to activate helper T-cells.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein said exposure takes place by repeatedinjections of said IgD.
 16. A method for enhancing the ability of amammal to mount a humoral 7S immune response against an antigencomprising injecting in said mammal an essentially purified polymeric oraggregated IgD immunoglobulin preparation in an amount sufficient toaugment the ability of helper T-cells to bind IgD, discontinuing IgDadministration to said mammal and injecting in said mammal an antigen,thereby exposing the immune system of said mammal to said antigen in anamount sufficient for the mammal to exhibit an enhanced 7S immuneresponse.
 17. The method according to claim 16 furthercomprising:obtaining lymphocytes from a donor IgD-treated mammal;further exposing said lymphocytes to an essentially purified polymericor aggregated IgD preparation in vitro; and infusing said invitro-treated lymphocytes in said mammal.
 18. A method for determiningwhether a mammal will respond with an enhanced 7S immune response afterbeing treated with an essentially purified aggregated or polymeric IgDpreparation, the method comprising:exposing T-lymphocytes of said mammalto an essentially purified aggregated or polymeric IgD preparation in anamount previously determined to be sufficient to elicit helper T-cellswith an ability to bind IgD in normally immunocompetent mammals of thesame species; discontinuing said exposure by washing said cells;detecting among said lymphocytes the numbers of helper T-cells with saidability formed with and without said IgD exposure; and comparing saidnumbers to those of normal immunocompetent mammals to see whether saidnumbers are comparable to those of said normal mammals.
 19. The methodof claim 13, wherein said exposure takes place by injection of saidessentially purified aggregated or polymeric IgD preparationsimultaneously with immunization of said mammal with a vaccine, saidpreparation being in an amount sufficient to activate helper T-cells tomediate augmentation of humoral immune response of more than oneisotype.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein said exposure takes placeby injection of said IgD both prior to and simultaneously with saidimmunization.
 21. The method of claim 13 wherein said exposure to saidIgD is preceded by, followed by, or combined with in vivo treatment ofsaid mammal with interleukin-2.